train of events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "train of events" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of occurrences or actions that are connected in some way, often leading to a particular outcome. Example: "The train of events that led to the final decision was complex and involved many stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That unleashed the train of events culminating in Gu's trial this week.

The Guardian

Yet it is clear a train of events is under way.

The Guardian

The train of events that followed could have been scripted for a bad melodrama.

The Guardian

There followed a train of events that could have been scripted for a bad melodrama.

The Guardian

What train of events led to Neil Armstrong – a civilian – being the first man to walk on the moon?

The Guardian

It was Hawthorn's need for more fuel and a change of tyres that set off the terrible train of events.

The Guardian - Sport

The extraordinary train of events in Ackroyd's life over the last six years tells us something very ordinary about care.

The Guardian

The first thing I should say is that the train of events in 1981 was extremely fortuitous.

The Guardian - Sport

And Amber, in A Flash of Blue, becomes trapped in a train of events for which she feels entirely responsible.

The Guardian

I think I'd go mental" — precisely, of course, the train of events that "Amy" pursues with such avid care.

The New Yorker

Readers of The Economist are aware of the train of events which led up to the catastrophe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "train of events" to clearly illustrate a sequence where each occurrence is linked to the next, often with a sense of inevitability or momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "train of events" when describing unrelated events. This phrase implies a direct causal link between occurrences, so ensure the events are genuinely connected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "train of events" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a sequence of connected happenings. It often describes a cause-and-effect relationship where one event leads to another, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "train of events" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a connected sequence of happenings. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "chain of events" and "sequence of events" exist, "train of events" emphasizes a linear progression. As suggested by Ludwig, ensure the events are causally linked when using this phrase to avoid misuse. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of events

Replaces "train" with "chain", emphasizing interconnectedness.

sequence of events

Uses "sequence" to highlight the order of occurrences.

series of occurrences

More general, referring to multiple events happening one after another.

course of events

Emphasizes the path or direction the events take.

progression of incidents

Focuses on incidents and their gradual unfolding.

causal chain

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between events.

string of happenings

Informal, referring to a number of things that have happened.

domino effect

Highlights how one event triggers a series of subsequent events.

ripple effect

Emphasizes the widening impact of an initial event.

snowball effect

Describes how something grows at an accelerating rate from a small beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "train of events" in a sentence?

You can use "train of events" to describe a series of occurrences that are connected and lead to a particular outcome. For example, "The "train of events" leading to the company's bankruptcy began with a failed product launch."

What's a good substitute for "train of events"?

Alternatives include "chain of events", "sequence of events", or "series of occurrences". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "train of events" and "chain of events"?

While similar, "train of events" often implies a more direct and linear progression, whereas "chain of events" can suggest a more complex interconnectedness where each event is linked like the links in a chain.

When is it appropriate to use "train of events"?

Use "train of events" when you want to emphasize the sequential and interconnected nature of a series of events, particularly when one event directly leads to the next in a predictable or logical manner.